Interdisciplinary Training in Cognitive, Computational and Systems Neuroscience (CCSN)

在过去的30年里，系统神经科学的范围得到了极大的扩展。脑功能成像为研究人类复杂认知功能的神经机制提供了机会。与此同时，光遗传学等强大的技术使得以前所未有的分辨率解剖神经回路成为可能。与此同时，深度网络和贝叶斯模型等计算方法越来越成为整个领域的核心，这对高级定量技能和读写能力提出了更高的要求。显然，系统神经科学现在是一个跨学科领域，整合了分子生物学、神经生理学、认知科学、行为学、计算机科学、统计学等方面的理论框架和技术。面对这种显著的扩张，博士项目面临三大挑战。首先，尽管与系统神经科学相关的知识体系在广度和深度上都有所增加，但学生在职业生涯早期也面临着越来越大的进行研究、发表和获得独立资助的压力。第二，系统级研究是在多个系和博士项目中进行的。在华盛顿大学，这些包括神经科学、心理学和生物医学工程的博士课程。然而，来自不同学科的学生往往不会说对方的语言。第三，一个成功的科学事业需要广泛的专业技能组合——撰写论文和拨款提案，与不同科学背景的同事合作，在科学场所和更广泛的受众中展示成果，在学术就业市场中导航——这些都超出了正常的课程。认知、计算和系统神经科学（CCSN）途径的发展就是为了应对这些挑战。CCSN是面向3-4年级研究生的精英途径，具有多个与系统神经科学相关的博士课程的资格。CCSN的重点是跨学科的培训和专业技能的发展。要进入该途径，学生必须完成（1-2年级）系统神经科学，认知科学和动物行为以及计算神经科学的三门必修和基础课程。在第三年，CCSN的学生将学习两门额外的课程，一门课程提供基础知识和先进的定量方法和数据科学工具的实践培训，另一门课程允许他们制定跨学科的拨款提案-通常成为实际的NRSA申请-由同行，讲师和委员会反馈形成。在第4年（以及整个课程），CCSN的学生参加多种职业发展活动，包括指导低年级学生，组织科学活动，与外部演讲者互动，与CCSN教师参加非正式晚宴，并参加社区外展活动。CCSN通路已经存在了大约15年，并取得了显著的成功。在这里，我们申请5个奖学金。如果申请成功，华盛顿大学将为另外5个名额提供配套资金。

Over the past 30 years, the scope of Systems Neuroscience has expanded enormously. Functional brain imaging has provided the opportunity to study the neural mechanisms of complex cognitive functions in humans. Concurrently, powerful techniques such as optogenetics have made it possible to dissect neural circuits with unprecedented resolution. In parallel, computational approaches such as deep networks and Bayesian models are increasingly central to the field as a whole, putting a premium on advanced quantitative skills and literacy. Clearly Systems Neuroscience is now a trans-disciplinary field, integrating theoretical frameworks and techniques from molecular biology, neurophysiology, cognitive science, ethology, computer science, statistics, and more. In the face of this remarkable expansion, PhD programs face three challenges. First, although the body of knowledge relevant to Systems Neuroscience has increased in breadth and depth, students also face increased pressure to conduct research, publish, and get independent funding early in their career. Second, systems-level research is conducted in multiple departments and PhD programs. At Washington University, these include the PhD programs in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Biomedical Engineering. Yet, students coming from different disciplines often do not speak each other’s language. Third, a successful career in science requires a broad portfolio of professional skills – writing papers and grant proposals, collaborating with colleagues with different scientific backgrounds, presenting results in scientific venues and to wider audiences, navigating the academic job market – that exceed the normal coursework. The Cognitive, Computational and Systems Neuroscience (CCSN) pathway was developed in response to these challenges. CCSN is an elite pathway available for graduate students in years 3-4, with eligibility from multiple PhD programs relevant to Systems Neuroscience broadly defined. The emphasis of CCSN is on trans- disciplinary training and professional skills development. To access the pathway, students must complete (in years 1-2), three pre-requisite and foundational courses on systems neuroscience, cognitive science and animal behavior, and computational neuroscience. In year 3, CCSN students take two additional courses – one providing foundational knowledge and hands-on training with advanced quantitative methods and data-science tools, and the other allowing them to develop a trans-disciplinary grant proposal – which often becomes an actual NRSA application – shaped by peer, instructor, and committee feedback. In year 4 (and throughout the pathway), CCSN students take part in multiple Career Development activities, including mentoring junior students, organizing scientific events, interacting with external speakers, participating in informal dinners with CCSN faculty, and taking part in community outreach. The CCSN pathway has existed for ~15 years and has a demonstrated history of remarkable success. Here we request funds for 5 fellowships. Contingent on the success of this application, Washington University will provide matching funds for an additional 5 slots.